A LOOSE Women star has opened up about an ‘unbearable’ 20-year health battle.
Comedian and presenter Judi Love, 44, joined the long-running ITV show in 2020.
Speaking to The Mirror, Judi discussed her struggles with endometriosis – having been first diagnosed over 20 years ago.
According to the NHS, endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body.
Judi shared how it took five years to get her diagnosis – but the average time could be as long as nine years.
She told the publication: “For women, our pain is often not always taken seriously, so symptoms are just put down to having ‘bad periods’.
“At the time, it wasn’t spoken about much, so when I received my diagnosis I honestly didn’t really know what it was, but the effect on my life, my physical and mental health, was sometimes unbearable.”
Meanwhile, Judi encouraged more conversations about endometriosis and its impact.
She said: “Not having that pain recognised or acknowledged is really difficult.”
In December 2024, the comedian sailed across the Mediterranean for new show Judi Love‘s Culinary Cruise.
Airing on ITV, the series followed Judi as she travelled to five different destinations in luxury yacht Emerald Azzurra.
Every time she stepped onto land, the Loose Women presenter had to make local dishes for the other passengers.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Watch Loose Women star Judi Love break her silence after ‘eye-roll’ at Lorraine Kelly’s BAFTA win” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6352835631112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Judi previously said: “I am so excited to be setting sail on this new adventure with ITV.
“Growing up within a Jamaican family, food was always at the heart of any function and occasion.
“So I’m truly excited to experience the culture, people and food of the beautiful Mediterranean.”
She added: “I’m looking forward to exploring all of the different destinations as well as food has such a way of telling a story for many, especially in the Mediterranean where it’s about sharing love, traditions and identity.”
Elsewhere, viewers may also recognise Judi from her Strictly Come Dancing stint in 2021.
Partnered with Graziano di Prima, the pair reached week six of the competition.
However, they ultimately lost out to Adam Peaty and Katya Jones in the dance off.
The following year, Judi starred in series 13 of hit Channel 4 show Taskmaster.
She competed against Chris Ramsey, Sophie Duker, Bridget Christie and Ardal O’Hanlon, but placed last overall.
